The more lights the better as safety comes first
by Pip Read - Australian and world masters champion cyclist
This month I have decided to write more on the lights theme. I have been trying some new lights on my ride home in the dark, after work most nights.
The ones that I had were OK but I discovered a different brand that feature three head lights, two on the bike and one on my helmet. This adds a bit of weight to the bike but with a total of 2550 lumens I can see not only more road ahead but can pick out the potholes better! Much better than trying to change a flat in the dark. I now have a total of three head lights and four flashing tail lights. The first thing I noticed was drivers were giving me much more road space, a safety bonus.
Some of you might remember me saying that I live in rural Victoria, providing me with great car free training roads which I have been enjoying heaps. But I have found myself having a bit of a grumble lately. We have experienced a lot of rain and the farmers in the area seem to be moving cows and other livestock from paddock to paddock using the roads. Not to put too fine a point on it, the above mentioned livestock leave lots of dirt and other leftovers on the road, which has been testing my bike cleaning skills over the past few weeks! I guess it my fault for having a white bike and I know the farmers aren't doing it on purpose, and at least it gives me something to grouch away the hours in the garage.
Recently I was in Geelong attending my friend Gen's women's breakfast. Earlier this year she was asked to assist her local cycle club to encourage more women to join and maybe race, modelled along the lines of the St Kilda Cycle Club's efforts over the past few years. I've been involved in the SKCC program from the beginning and have been mentoring Gen's racing efforts and it was very pleasing to see the great turnout at the breakfast. I am not sure how many women Gen has attracted to our lovely sport but if the enthusiasm I saw at the breakfast is anything to go by, things are looking up.
I have finally found time to race with my local veterans cycling club. I
did complete the first race of the season but for various reasons I have
been unable to get back, until recently. I completed a 56km handicap
race around a circuit called the 'Windmill' which in hindsight should
have told me something. For a start I still don't fully understand
handicap racing. I know the basics but it's still a bit of a mystery. I
was with the six minute bunch and I think that relates to third scratch!
Anyway we had four in our bunch; we lost one on the first lap and
another on the second. If you look at the photos it looks like I was
racing with SaxoBank and the guy with the kit on was like sitting behind
Fabien! I do have to wonder about the rules and regulations of veteran's
racing, still seems strange that someone can race in pro team kit.
The wind! The circuit was a large square shape, we had a right hand crosswind followed by a headwind, followed by a left hand crosswind with a downhill tailwind finish!, ' Fabien' and myself caught and passed everyone else and we were only caught by scratch 500m before the finish line.
I have been asked to compete in a team time trial with the SKCC which should be fun. At least until I find out where the course is. At this stage all I know is that it's at Buninyong, outside of Ballarat and there is a dirty, big hill so I really hope we don't ride up it, will let you know.
After that I have the Victorian Masters TimeTrial and Road Race next month and I was devastated on finding out the venue has moved from my favorite area of Muckleford. I will let you know how I go but I have ridden the circuit and it's not an easy ride.
Please stay safe on the roads
Talk soon
Pip